Med News Today

Niger stops spread of meningitis

NIAMEY (AFP) - An epidemic of cerebro-spinal meningitis rife in the west African state of Niger has been contained at its epicentre, the southwestern province of Maradi, the medical charity Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) has said.

"The vaccination campaign has succeeded in curbing the epidemic because Maradi region has dropped below the alert level for the last two weeks," said MSF medical assistant Fabrice Resongles, who is coordinating vaccinations.

During a 48-day programme in March and April, Maradi's entire population of 870,000 including women and children was vaccinated, he said in an interview on the MSF website.

More than 1,260 patients including 86 particularly complicated cases were being treated in special care centres set up by MSF, which has mobilised more than 3,500 helpers for a campaign costing one euro (1.26 dollars) for each person vaccinated, said Resongles.

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posted by nattietodd @ 8:49 AM